Song Lam Nghe An vs Ho Chi Minh City Club: Will changing generals change fortunes?

The 3-0 loss to Viettel Club has shown many problems of the Nghe An team. And in this match, Song Lam Nghe An will definitely have to make changes to get a victory against coach Vu Tien Thanh's team.

First is the change on the coaching bench. AfterCoach Huy Hoangresigned due to health problems, Mr. Phan Nhu Thuat was appointed as the head coach of the Nghe An team. Once one of the most intelligent midfielders in Vietnam, coach Phan Nhu Thuat is expected to bring a new breeze to Song Lam Nghe An to help the Nghe An team achieve good results in the remaining stages of V.League 2023.

The match between Song Lam Nghe An Club and Viettel Club. Photo: VPF

But to achieve that, the new coaching staff of Song Lam Nghe An will first have to overcome the weakness in the defense. With many injuries in the center-back position, it is likely that the Nghe An team will return to the 4-3-3 formation. In which, Que Ngoc Hai and Vytas Gaspuitis will be the center-back duo of Song Lam Nghe An. On the two wings will be Ho Van Cuong and Tran Dinh Hoang. Because they only play with 2 center-backs, the captain of Song Lam Nghe An will limit his efforts to focus on the defense.

Especially when Ho Chi Minh City Club is possessing a very strong attack with 18 goals after 10 matches. In which, striker Mansaray Victor has scored 8 goals and is temporarily ranked 2nd in the race for the golden boot. Under the hands of coach Vu Tien Thanh, this striker wearing the number 88 shirt seems to have completely transformed. Strength, speed and accuracy are what Mansaray is showing in the Ho Chi Minh City Club shirt.

Ho Chi Minh City Club's attack line is playing very well. Photo: VPF

Supporting the American striker is the duo Hoang Vu Samson and Daniel Green. The speed and dexterity of Daniel Green will be an extremely dangerous drill for the Red Battleship on the left wing. Meanwhile, the best striker of V.League - Hoang Vu Samson still shows his resilience despite turning 35 years old. Obviously, this will be an extremely difficult match for the defense ofNghe An football team.

However, the defense of Ho Chi Minh City Club has a contrasting face. After 10 matches, coach Vu Tien Thanh's team has conceded 24 goals. This is the worst defense of V.League 2023 up to now.

In particular, the defense of the team from the city named after Uncle Ho is facing more difficulties when two key central defenders, Le Cao Hoai An and Jonathan Campbell, are suspended due to penalty cards. Facing the opponent's patchwork defense, it will be an opportunity for the attacking players of Song Lam Nghe An to exploit and score.

With home advantage, the Nghe An team will certainly try to pressure their opponents to find a victory. The duo Olaha and Soladio will still be the top choices in the attack of Song Lam Nghe An. Having to face only a defense of domestic players will be a good opportunity for the Nghe An team's foreign duo to demonstrate their strength and speed.

Michael Olaha will still be the mainstay of the Nghe An team's attack. Photo: Chung Le

Supporting Olaha and Soladio will be midfielders Nguyen Trong Hoang, Dinh Xuan Tien and Tran Dinh Tien. Although the same players are still present, fans are waiting for a change in Song Lam Nghe An's attacking style underCoach Phan Nhu ThuatAnd meeting Ho Chi Minh City Club is the best opportunity for coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team to show themselves.

The match against Ho Chi Minh City Club promises to be a fierce and exciting match. Hopefully, the players of Song Lam Nghe An will win this match as a gift of gratitude to coach Huy Hoang as well as a gift to introduce coach Phan Nhu Thuat.